Sexual Misconduct

Gettysburg College does not tolerate sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or sexually inappropriate behaviors in any form. These behaviors are demeaning and interfere with the rights of others to pursue their education in an atmosphere that is safe and respectful. Sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexually inappropriate behaviorsinclude, but are not limited to: sexual misconduct, including sexual assault; incapacitated sex and/or sexual contact; sexual harassment; sexual exploitation; coercion for sex and/or sexual contact and retaliation. Incidents which a student considers to be a violation of this policy should be reported immediately.

This website is intended to serve as a resource for the Gettysburg community. The College is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that values and protects the rights of all members of our community. This commitment is reflected in the Sexual Misconduct Policy. The policy is designed to do the following:

Protect the inherent rights of members of the Gettysburg College community;

Provide a safe and healthy environment that supports student growth and development.

Stand up against that which is morally reprehensible.

Challenge behavior that interferes with and disrupts the educational environment of the campus and interferes with the rights of other students.

The College takes seriously its responsibility to educate the campus community on issues of all forms of sexual misconduct. As members of the Gettysburg College community, we share responsibility for creating an open and welcoming learning environment for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and visitors.

Some forms of sexual misconduct are a crime. In particular, sexual assault and rape are criminal offenses as well as violations of this policy and both criminal and College charges may arise from an alleged incident. The College’s process is separate and distinct from the criminal process and is only making a determination regarding violation of this policy. Individuals who believe that they’ve been sexually assaulted are urged to contact the Gettysburg Police and to preserve any evidence that may be necessary for proving the crime. The College strongly encourages students to work with the Gettysburg Police, and will work with the local authorities to facilitate a timely investigative process. The College’s adjudication of charges may proceed regardless of the status of the criminal justice process.